Looking for a Job in Data Science? This is What Employers are Looking for…

This is What Your Data Scientist CV Should Say

Data Scientists are in high demand, everywhere. Harvard Business Review ranked it as the ‘hottest job on offer’ in coming years so it’s no surprise it was ranked 6th in the UK’s top jobs, and top of the list in IT careers. The job offers excellent pay, endless opportunities, great work-life balance and good job satisfaction. What’s not to love?

If you’re looking for a job in data science – and why wouldn’t you looking at that list – you’re in good company. You’re wanted and needed by many, but don’t let that make you lazy with your job application. Employers are looking for something special from their analytics professionals and data scientists and you’ll need to show what sets you apart from the rest.

These days, it goes beyond statistics and coding. You’ll need to demonstrate business acumen, soft skills such as communication across teams, decision making, problem solving, critical thinking and creativity.

At the very basic level, a data scientist needs the following skills:

Statistics, Machine Learning, Software Engineering & Coding

A solid understanding and experience in statistics and algebra is essential in data science, as is soft engineering, machine learning and coding.

Big Data & Database Management Software Knowledge

With data this big, you need to know your management tools. From MySQL or Cassandra to Spark, MapReduce or Hadoop, these software systems will help you perform your computations and analysis.

Visualization, Reporting and Presenting Skills

It is the data scientists job to improve decision-making. Presentation of data and the communication of what that means it essential, so skills in visualization and reporting are highly desired.

Today’s data scientist needs to demonstrate a rare mix of technical and soft skills to succeed in both job applications and their career. The competencies are many in this job because the reach of a data scientist on an organization is so wide.

Take a look at this incredible list (Source: TheBalance) which goes to show just how many abilities companies are looking for from a data scientist. The list is a good one to use when adding relevant keywords to your CV:

The Top 95 Keywords for your Data Scientist CV:

Adaptability

Algorithms

Algorithmic

Analytical Tools

Analytics

AppEngine

Assertiveness

AWS

Big Data

C++

Collaboration

Communication

Computer Skills

Constructing Predictive Models

Consulting

Conveying Technical Information to Non-Tech People

CouchDB

Creating Algorithms

Creating Controls to Assure Accuracy of Data

Creativity

Critical Thinking

Cultivating Relationships with Internal and External Stakeholders

Data

Data Analysis

Data Manipulation

Data Wrangling

Data Science Tools

Data Tools

Data Mining

js

Decision Making

Decision Trees

Development

Documenting

Drawing Consensus

ECL

Evaluating New Analytical Methodologies

Executing in a Fast-Paced Environment

Facilitating Meetings

Flare

Google Visualization API

Hadoop

HBase

High Energy

Information Retrieval Data Sets

Interpreting Data

Java

Leadership

Linear Algebra

Logical Thinking

Machine Learning Models

Machine Learning Techniques

Mathematics

Matlab

Mentoring

Metrics

Microsoft Excel

Mining Social Media Data

Modeling Data

Modeling Tools

Multivariable Calculus

Perl

PowerPoint

Presentation

Problem Solving

Producing Data Visualizations

Project Management

Project Management Methodologies

Project Timelines

Programming

Providing Guidance to IT Professionals

Python

R

js

Reporting

Reporting Tool Software

Reporting Tools

Reports

Researching

Risk Modeling

SAS

Scripting Languages

Self Motivated

SQL

Statistics

Statistical Learning Models

Statistical Modeling

Supervisory

Tableau

Taking Initiative

Testing Hypotheses

Training

Verbal

Working Independently

Writing

Relevance will always win over generalization so don’t go cramming all these keywords into your job application. Instead, use it as a guide of what to learn and gain experience in to land your dream data science job. If you see weak areas in that list, start a course, embark on a project, join a forum, read discussions and build your knowledge.

Take a look at these current data science jobs for a look at what today’s employers are looking for right now: Data Science Jobs